Del Mar race season set to begin July 17; second meet in November

Opening day of the Del Mar race season is July 17. In this 2012 photo, Miss California (third from right) broke well and carried Chantal Sutherland to victory in the first race of the meet.

Opening day of the Del Mar race season is July 17. In this 2012 photo, Miss California (third from right) broke well and carried Chantal Sutherland to victory in the first race of the meet. (Benoit Photo)

Terry Gardner

Del Mar races begin July 17, but this year, there will also be a second season starting Nov. 7.

And they’re off. Racing season in Del Mar, a Southern California staple since Bing Crosby welcomed the first guest to the horse racing track in 1937, opens July 17 and continues until Sept. 3 this year.

For the first time, Del Mar has added a 15-day meet in the fall, beginning Nov. 7. Admission and seat prices to the second meet vary.

Del Mar's opening day rivals the Kentucky Derby for hats and headgear. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Hats Contest with five categories, including best racing theme and most outrageous. The Bing Crosby Grand Prize includes a two-night stay at the Grand Del Mar with dinner for two and a $500 gift certificate from the Village Hat Shop.

Its long and storied history includes many celebrities besides Crosby. Among the names affiliated with the track: W.C. Fields, Red Skelton, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and Gloria Swanson, according to “Del Mar: Where the Turf Meets the Surf,” by Hank Wesch.